The AA is pleased with decisions the NZ Transport Agency has made about speed limit changes and passing opportunities on the Christchurch to Picton alternative route.

AA Canterbury/West Coast District Chairman Roy Hughes says NZTA’s analysis of the increased hazards along the route in the heavier traffic conditions has been thorough.

“Within the AA we feel like our views have been heard and good decisions have been made to address safety concerns.

“The reduced speeds will remain on much of the route until SH1 reopens, but we’re pleased that NZTA has committed to reviewing those limits within 6 months of SH1 reopening,” says Mr Hughes.

“The AA is also particularly pleased NZTA is looking to install 20 passing lanes or slow vehicle bays and review whether there are opportunities for more.

“We have been concerned that drivers are getting frustrated with the lack of passing opportunities and we think more places where heavy vehicles and slow vehicles can pull over will reduce the risk of dangerous overtaking.

“We hope that learnings from installing more passing lanes and slow vehicle bays on this route might be useful when considering the same problem in other parts of the country. The limited availability of passing lanes and places where slow vehicles can pull over is one of the biggest driving frustrations expressed to us by AA Members,” says Mr Hughes.

“Improvements now being made on these roads are a great legacy for this route,” he says.

For more information contact:

Roy Hughes
AA Canterbury/West Coast District Chairman
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. 03 332 7500
E. royhsyncom@slingshot.co.nz